BLM Sentinel Butte Backcountry Dispersed Area

This BLM dispersed area spreads across rolling grassland at the base of Sentinel Butte, a prominent 3,200-foot landmark visible for miles across the Little Missouri badlands. Eight to ten informal sites scattered along old ranch roads provide complete privacy, with the butte’s sandstone cap rock towering 400 feet overhead. No amenities beyond fire rings at a few spots — pack everything in and out. The night sky here is exceptional with zero light pollution.

Access requires 12 miles on rough two-track from Highway 85, passable by high-clearance vehicles in dry conditions but impassable when wet. Spring and fall offer the best weather; summer can be brutally hot with no shade. Popular with photographers chasing sunrise shots on the butte, but most weekends you’ll have the place to yourself.

Prairie camping beneath the iconic badlands sentinel